Bipolar surgical instrument

ABSTRACT

A bipolar forceps includes a mechanical forceps including first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof for effecting movement of the jaw members relative to one another about a pivot. A disposable housing is configured to releasably couple to at least one of the shafts and an electrode assembly is associated with the disposable housing. The electrode assembly includes electrodes releasably coupleable to the jaw members. At least one of the electrodes includes a knife channel configured to receive a knife blade therethrough to cut tissue grasped between the jaw members. A switch is configured to initiate delivery of electrosurgical energy from the source of electrosurgical energy to the electrodes. An actuation mechanism is configured to selectively advance the knife blade through the knife channel to cut tissue.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/961,461, filed on Apr. 24, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,959,770, whichis a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/906,072, filedon Jan. 19, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,962,221, which is a U.S. NationalStage Application under 35 U.S.C. § 371(a) of PCT/CN2013/080947 filed onAug. 7, 2013.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to forceps used for open surgicalprocedures. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to abipolar forceps for treating tissue that is capable of sealing andcutting tissue.

BACKGROUND

A hemostat or forceps is a simple plier-like tool which uses mechanicalaction between its jaws to constrict vessels and is commonly used inopen surgical procedures to grasp, dissect and/or clamp tissue.Electrosurgical forceps utilize both mechanical clamping action andelectrical energy to effect hemostasis by heating the tissue and bloodvessels to coagulate, cauterize and/or seal tissue.

Certain surgical procedures require sealing and cutting blood vessels orvascular tissue. Several journal articles have disclosed methods forsealing small blood vessels using electrosurgery. An article entitledStudies on Coagulation and the Development of an Automatic ComputerizedBipolar Coagulator, J. Neurosurg., Volume 75, July 1991, describes abipolar coagulator which is used to seal small blood vessels. Thearticle states that it is not possible to safely coagulate arteries witha diameter larger than 2 to 2.5 mm. A second article is entitledAutomatically Controlled Bipolar Electrocoagulation—“COA-COMP”,Neurosurg. Rev. (1984), pp. 187-190, describes a method for terminatingelectrosurgical power to the vessel so that charring of the vessel wallscan be avoided.

By utilizing an electrosurgical forceps, a surgeon can either cauterize,coagulate/desiccate, reduce or slow bleeding and/or seal vessels bycontrolling the intensity, frequency and duration of the electrosurgicalenergy applied to the tissue. Generally, the electrical configuration ofelectrosurgical forceps can be categorized in two classifications: 1)monopolar electrosurgical forceps; and 2) bipolar electrosurgicalforceps.

Monopolar forceps utilize one active electrode associated with theclamping end effector and a remote patient return electrode or pad whichis typically attached externally to the patient. When theelectrosurgical energy is applied, the energy travels from the activeelectrode, to the surgical site, through the patient and to the returnelectrode.

Bipolar electrosurgical forceps utilize two generally opposingelectrodes which are disposed on the inner opposing surfaces of the endeffectors and which are both electrically coupled to an electrosurgicalgenerator. Each electrode is charged to a different electric potential.Since tissue is a conductor of electrical energy, when the effectors areutilized to grasp tissue therebetween, the electrical energy can beselectively transferred through the tissue.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to forceps used for open surgicalprocedures. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to abipolar forceps for treating tissue that is capable of sealing andcutting tissue.

As is traditional, the term “distal” refers herein to an end of theapparatus that is farther from an operator, and the term “proximal”refers herein to the end of the electrosurgical forceps that is closerto the operator.

The bipolar forceps includes a mechanical forceps including first andsecond shafts. A jaw member extends from a distal end of each shaft. Ahandle is disposed at a proximal end of each shaft for effectingmovement of the jaw members relative to one another about a pivot from afirst position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relationrelative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw memberscooperate to grasp tissue. A disposable housing is configured toreleasably couple to one or both of the shafts. An electrode assembly isassociated with the disposable housing and has a first electrodereleasably coupleable to the jaw member of the first shaft and a secondelectrode releasably coupleable to the jaw member of the second shaft.Each electrode is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgicalenergy to allow selective conduction of electrosurgical energy throughtissue. One or both of the electrodes includes a knife channel definedalong its length. The knife channel is configured to receive a knifeblade therethrough to cut tissue grasped between the jaw members. Aswitch is supported by the housing and is configured to initiate andterminate delivery of electrosurgical energy from the source ofelectrosurgical energy to the electrodes upon movement of the jawmembers between the first and second positions. An actuation mechanismis at least partially disposed within the housing and configured toselectively advance the knife blade through the knife channel to cuttissue.

Additionally or alternatively, the bipolar forceps may also include aknife lockout mechanism configured to prohibit advancement of the knifeblade into the knife channel when the jaw members are in the firstposition.

Additionally or alternatively, the knife lockout mechanism may move froma first position wherein the knife lockout mechanism engages theactuation mechanism when the jaw members are in the first position to asecond position wherein the knife lockout mechanism disengages theactuation mechanism when the jaw members are in the second position topermit selective advancement of the knife blade through the knifechannel.

Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the shafts may beconfigured to engage the knife lockout mechanism upon movement of thejaw members to the second position and move the knife lockout mechanismout of engagement with the actuation mechanism to permit advancement ofthe knife blade through the knife channel.

Additionally or alternatively, the switch may be mechanically coupled toa depressible button extending from the housing and configured to beengaged by one of the shafts upon movement of the jaw members to thesecond position.

Additionally or alternatively, the pivot may define a longitudinal slottherethrough and the knife blade may be configured to move within thelongitudinal slot upon translation thereof.

Additionally or alternatively, the bipolar forceps may also include atleast one handle member extending from the housing. The at least onehandle member may be operably coupled to the actuation mechanism andconfigured to effect advancement of the knife blade through the knifechannel.

Additionally or alternatively, each of the electrodes may include anelectrically conductive sealing surface and an insulating substratecoupled thereto.

Additionally or alternatively, each of the electrodes may include atleast one mechanical interface configured to complement a correspondingmechanical interface on one of the jaw members to releasably couple theelectrode to the jaw member.

Additionally or alternatively, the actuation mechanism may include abiasing member configured to bias the actuation mechanism to anunactuated position.

Additionally or alternatively, the bipolar forceps may also include aknife guide supported in the housing and having a longitudinal slotdefined therethrough that receives the knife blade therein to align theknife blade with the knife channel.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a bipolar forcepsis provided. The bipolar forceps includes a mechanical forceps includingfirst and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from itsdistal end. A handle is disposed at a proximal end of each shaft foreffecting movement of the jaw members relative to one another about apivot from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed inspaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein thejaw members cooperate to grasp tissue. A disposable housing has opposinghalves configured to releasably couple to each other to at leastpartially encompass one or both of the shafts. An electrode assembly isassociated with the disposable housing and has a first electrodereleasably coupleable to the jaw member of the first shaft and a secondelectrode releasably coupleable to the jaw member of the second shaft.Each electrode is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgicalenergy to allow selective conduction of electrosurgical energy throughtissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal. At least one of theelectrodes includes a knife channel defined along a length thereof, theknife channel configured to receive a knife blade therethrough to cuttissue grasped between the jaw members. An actuation mechanism is atleast partially disposed within the housing and is configured toselectively advance the knife blade through the knife channel to cuttissue. A depressible activation button extends from a proximal portionof the housing and is operably coupled to a switch supported by theproximal portion of the housing. The activation button is configured todepress upon approximation of the shaft members such that the switchinitiates delivery of electrosurgical energy from the source ofelectrosurgical energy to the electrode assembly. A knife lockoutmechanism is configured to move from a first position wherein the knifelockout mechanism engages the actuation mechanism to prohibitadvancement of the knife blade through the knife channel when the jawmembers are in the first position to a second position wherein the knifelockout mechanism disengages the actuation mechanism when the jawmembers are in the second position to permit advancement of the knifeblade through the knife channel.

Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the shafts may beconfigured to engage the knife lockout mechanism upon movement of thejaw members to the second position and move the knife lockout mechanismout of engagement with the actuation mechanism and permit advancement ofthe knife blade through the knife channel.

Additionally or alternatively, the pivot may define a longitudinal slottherethrough and the knife blade may be configured to advance throughthe longitudinal slot upon translation thereof.

Additionally or alternatively, the bipolar forceps may also include aknife guide supported in the housing and having a longitudinal slotdefined therethrough that receives the knife blade therein to align theknife blade with the knife channel.

Additionally or alternatively, the bipolar forceps may also include atleast one handle member operably coupled to the actuation mechanism andmoveable from an unactuated configuration to an actuated configurationto effect advancement of the knife blade through the knife channel.

Additionally or alternatively, the bipolar forceps may also include aknife kickback configured to force the at least one handle member fromthe actuated configuration to the unactuated configuration upon movementof the jaw members from the second position to the first position.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a bipolar forcepsis provided. The bipolar forceps includes a mechanical forceps includingfirst and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from itsdistal end. A handle is disposed at a proximal end of each shaft foreffecting movement of the jaw members relative to one another about apivot from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed inspaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein thejaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. A disposable housingis configured to be releasably coupled to at least one of the shafts. Anelectrode assembly is configured to releasably couple to the jaw membersand is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy to allowselective conduction of electrosurgical energy through tissue heldbetween the jaw members to effect a tissue seal. At least one of the jawmembers includes a knife channel defined along its length. The knifechannel is configured to receive a knife blade therethrough to cuttissue grasped between the jaw members. A knife guide is supported inthe housing and has a longitudinal slot defined therethrough thatreceives the knife blade therein to align the knife blade with the knifechannel. An actuation mechanism is at least partially disposed withinthe housing and is configured to selectively advance the knife bladethrough the knife channel to cut tissue. A switch is supported by thehousing and is configured to initiate and terminate delivery ofelectrosurgical energy from the source of electrosurgical energy to theelectrode assembly upon movement of the jaw members between the firstand second positions. At least one handle member extends from thehousing. The at least one handle member is operably coupled to theactuation mechanism and is configured to effect advancement of the knifeblade through the knife channel. A knife lockout mechanism is configuredto be engaged by at least one of the shaft members and move the knifelockout mechanism from a first position wherein the knife lockoutmechanism engages the actuation mechanism to prohibit advancement of theknife blade into the knife channel when the jaw members are in the firstposition to a second position wherein the knife lockout mechanismdisengages the actuation mechanism when the jaw members are in thesecond position to permit selective advancement of the knife bladethrough the knife channel.

Additionally or alternatively, the knife guide may extend through alongitudinal slot defined through the pivot.

Additionally or alternatively, the bipolar forceps may also include aknife kickback configured to force the at least one handle member fromthe actuated configuration to the unactuated configuration upon movementof the jaw members from the second position to the first position.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method ofassembling a bipolar forceps is provided. The method includes providinga first assembly including first and second shafts operably coupled toeach other about a pivot. Each of the first and second shafts has a jawmember extending from its distal end. The first and second shafts aremoveable relative to each other about the pivot to grasp tissue betweenthe jaw members. The method also includes providing a second assemblyincluding a knife blade operably coupled to a knife actuation mechanismconfigured to move the knife blade longitudinally through a passagewaydefined through the pivot of the first assembly to cut tissue graspedbetween the jaw members. The method also includes providing a housingconfigured to releasably couple to at least one of the shafts to atleast partially house the knife blade and the knife actuation mechanism.The method also includes placing the second assembly relative to thefirst assembly and releasably coupling the housing to at least one ofthe shafts to operably couple the second assembly to the first assembly.

Additionally or alternatively, placing the second assembly relative tothe first assembly may also include inserting the knife blade at leastpartially through the passageway.

Additionally or alternatively, placing the second assembly relative tothe first assembly may include placing the knife actuation mechanismrelative to at least one of the shaft members.

Additionally or alternatively, the first assembly may be a reusablemechanical forceps.

Additionally or alternatively, the second assembly may be removable fromthe first assembly.

Additionally or alternatively, the method may also include coupling anelectrode assembly to the jaw members, the electrode assembly configuredto connect to a source of electrosurgical energy.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a bipolar forcepsis provided. The bipolar forceps includes a mechanical forceps includingfirst and second shafts. Each of the shafts has a jaw member extendingfrom its distal end. The shafts are moveable relative to one anotherabout a pivot from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposedin spaced relation relative to one another to a second position whereinthe jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. Each of theshafts has an interior side facing the other shaft and an exterior sideopposite the interior side. The bipolar forceps also includes a knifeassembly including a knife blade operably coupled to a knife actuationmechanism configured to actuate the knife blade longitudinally through apassageway defined through the pivot to cut tissue grasped between thejaw members. The knife assembly is operably coupleable to the mechanicalforceps from the exterior side of one of the shafts such that the knifeblade is at least partially insertable through the passageway from theexterior side of one of the shafts and the knife actuation mechanism isreleasably coupleable to the mechanical forceps from the exterior sideof one of the shafts. The bipolar forceps also includes a housingconfigured to releasably couple to at least one of the shafts tooperably couple the knife assembly to the mechanical forceps. Thebipolar forceps also includes an electrode assembly having a firstelectrode releasably coupleable to the jaw member of the first shaft anda second electrode releasably coupleable to the jaw member of the secondshaft. Each electrode is adapted to connect to a source ofelectrosurgical energy to allow selective conduction of electrosurgicalenergy through tissue held between the electrodes.

Additionally or alternatively, the knife actuation mechanism may bereleasably coupleable to the mechanical forceps by moving the knifeactuation mechanism relative to one of the shafts from an exterior sidethereof while inserting the knife blade at least partially through thepassageway from the exterior side of the same shaft.

Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the electrodes mayinclude a knife channel defined along its length. The knife channel maybe configured to receive the knife blade therethrough to cut tissuegrasped between the jaw members.

Additionally or alternatively, the shafts may be disposed relative tothe passageway such that the knife blade is insertable through thepassageway from the exterior of one of the shafts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the subject instrument are described herein withreference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bipolar forceps according to anembodiment of the present disclosure including a mechanical forceps, adisposable housing, and a disposable electrode assembly;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, perspective view of a distal end of the bipolarforceps of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the bipolar forceps of FIG. 1 with partsseparated;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged, internal side view of the disposable housing andthe disposable electrode assembly of FIG. 1 with parts partiallyremoved;

FIG. 5 is a greatly enlarged, perspective view of the disposableelectrode assembly of FIG. 1 ;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are greatly enlarged perspective views of electrodes ofthe disposable electrode assembly of FIG. 1 with parts separated;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the bipolar forceps of FIG. 1 graspingtissue to effect a tissue seal;

FIGS. 9A-9D are generally internal, side views of the bipolar forceps ofFIG. 1 depicting a sequence of motions to illustrate operation of thebipolar forceps;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are generally internal, side views of a bipolarforceps according to another embodiment of the present disclosure withparts partially removed;

FIG. 11A is an enlarged, perspective view of a distal portion of abipolar forceps according to another embodiment of the presentdisclosure with parts partially removed; and

FIG. 11B is an enlarged, cross-sectional distal view of the bipolarforceps of FIG. 11A taken through a central portion of the bipolarforceps.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring initially to FIGS. 1-3 , a bipolar forceps 10 for use withopen surgical procedures includes a mechanical forceps 20 having an endeffector 24 and a disposable electrode assembly 21. Mechanical forceps20 includes first and second elongated shaft members 12 and 14.Elongated shaft member 12 includes proximal and distal end portions 13and 17, respectively, and elongated shaft member 14 includes proximaland distal end portions 15 and 19, respectively. Disposed at proximalend portions 13, 15 of shaft members 12, 14 are handle members 16 and18, respectively, that are configured to allow a user to effect movementof at least one of the shaft members 12 and 14 relative to the other.The end effector 24 includes opposing jaw members 42, 44 that extendfrom the distal end portions 17 and 19 of shaft members 12 and 14,respectively. The jaw members 42, 44 are movable relative to each otherin response to movement of shaft members 12, 14. At least one of theshaft members, e.g., shaft member 12, includes a tang 99 thatfacilitates manipulation of forceps 20 during use.

Shaft members 12 and 14 are affixed to one another about a pivot 25(FIG. 3 ) such that movement of shaft members 12, 14, imparts movementof the jaw members 42, 44 from an open configuration (FIG. 9A) whereinthe jaw members 44, 42 are disposed in spaced relation relative to oneanother to a clamping or closed configuration (FIGS. 9B and 9C) whereinthe jaw members 42, 44 cooperate to grasp tissue 150 therebetween (FIG.8 ). In some embodiments, the forceps 10 may be configured such thatmovement of one or both of the shaft members 12, 14 causes only one ofthe jaw members to move with respect to the other jaw member. Pivot 25includes a pair of generally semi-circular shaped apertures 25 a, 25 bdisposed therethrough and is configured to be seated in a pivot aperture29 (FIG. 3 ) such that pivot 25 is permitted to freely rotate withinpivot aperture 29, as further detailed below.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 , disposable electrode assembly 21 isconfigured to releasably couple to mechanical forceps 20, as detailedbelow, and is operably coupled to a housing 70 having a pair of housinghalves 70 a, 70 b configured to matingly engage and releasably encompassat least a portion of shaft member 14. Housing 70 also serves to atleast partially house a knife 85 having a sharpened distal cutting edge89 (FIG. 9D), a knife guide 86 having a longitudinal slot 87 (FIG. 3 )configured to receive the knife blade 85 therein, and a knife actuationmechanism 90 configured to effect advancement of the knife blade 85through a knife channel 58 (FIG. 2 ) defined in one or both electrodes110, 120 to transect tissue, as further detailed below. An interior ofeach of housing halves 70 a, 70 b may include a plurality of cooperatingmechanical interfaces disposed at various locations to effect mechanicalcoupling of housing halves 70 a, 70 b to form housing 70. A pair ofopposing push buttons 75 a, 75 b are disposed on housing halves 70 a, 70b, respectively, and are accessible from an exterior of housing 70 suchthat a user may press buttons 75 a, 75 b inwardly relative to thehousing 70 to release the mechanical coupling of housing 70 and shaftmember 14. A resilient member 64 (FIG. 3 ) is operably coupled to aninterior of housing 70 and releasably coupled to shaft member 14.Resilient member 64 includes a pair of resilient extensions 66 a, 66 bthat are operably coupled to buttons 75 a, 75 b, respectively. Pressingbuttons 75 a, 75 b inwardly relative to housing 70 imparts a biasingforce on resilient extensions 66 a, 66 b such that resilient extensions66 a, 66 b flex inward toward each other, which in turn causes resilientmember 64 to release from shaft member 14. Once resilient member 64 isreleased from shaft member 14, housing 70 may be uncoupled frommechanical forceps 20. Thus, the user is provided with the ability touncouple housing 70 from mechanical forceps 20 simply by pressingbuttons 75 a, 75 b inwardly relative to housing 70.

The placement of buttons 75 a, 75 b relative to housing 70 illustratedin the drawings should not be construed as limiting, as buttons 75 a, 75b may be disposed on any suitable location of housing 70. For example,buttons 75 a, 75 b may be disposed on a proximal end of housing 70adjacent handle member 18 and proximal to a depressible activationbutton 50 (FIG. 1 ) described in detail below. In some embodiments,buttons 75 a, 75 b and/or resilient member 64 may include wire-routingfeatures formed therein for routing wires through housing 70.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , a pair of wires 61 and 62 are electricallyconnected to the electrodes 120 and 110, respectively, and are bundledto form a cable 28 that extends through housing 70 and terminates at aterminal connector 30 (FIG. 1 ) configured to mechanically andelectrically couple to a suitable energy source, such as anelectrosurgical generator (not shown). Examples of electrosurgicalgenerators are the LIGASURE® Vessel Sealing Generator and theForceTriad® Generator sold by Covidien. In some embodiments, a suitableenergy source may be a battery (not shown) supported by the housing 70and electrically connected to the electrodes 110, 120.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-7 , electrode assembly 21 is bifurcated suchthat two prong-like members 103 and 105 extend distally therefrom tosupport electrodes 110 and 120, respectively. Electrode 120 includes anelectrically conductive sealing surface 126 configured to conductelectrosurgical energy therethrough and an electrically insulativesubstrate 121 that serves to electrically insulate sealing surface 126from jaw member 44. Sealing surface 126 and substrate 121 are attachedto one another by any suitable method of assembly such as, for example,snap-fit engagement or by overmolding substrate 121 to sealing surface126. In some embodiments, substrate 121 is made from an injection moldedplastic material. Substrate 121 includes a plurality of bifurcatedanchor members 122 extending therefrom that are configured to compressinwardly during insertion into a corresponding plurality of sockets 43disposed at least partially through an inner facing surface 48 (FIG. 3 )of jaw member 44 and subsequently expand to releasably engagecorresponding sockets 43 after insertion to couple electrode 120 toinner facing surface 48. Substrate 121 also includes one or morealignment pins 124 (FIG. 4 ) that are configured to engage acorresponding aperture 65 disposed at least partially through innerfacing surface 48 of jaw member 44 to ensure proper alignment ofelectrode 120 with jaw member 44 during assembly. Conductive sealingsurface 126 includes an extension 135 having a wire crimp 117 (FIG. 6 )configured to be inserted into the distal end 106 of prong 105 ofelectrode assembly 21 and electrically connect to wire 61 disposedtherein (FIG. 5 ).

Substantially as described above with respect to electrode 120,electrode 110 includes an electrically conductive sealing surface 116configured to conduct electrosurgical energy therethrough and anelectrically insulative substrate 111 attached thereto, as shown in FIG.7 . Substrate 111 includes a plurality of bifurcated anchor members 112extending therefrom that are configured to compress inwardly duringinsertion into a corresponding plurality of sockets 41 disposed at leastpartially through an inner facing surface 46 (FIG. 3 ) of jaw member 42and subsequently expand to releasably engage corresponding sockets 41after insertion to couple electrode 110 to inner facing surface 46.Substrate 111 also includes one ore more alignment pins 128 (FIG. 4 )that are configured to engage a corresponding aperture 67 disposed atleast partially through inner facing surface 46 of jaw member 42 toensure proper alignment of electrode 110 with jaw member 42 duringassembly. Sealing surface 116 includes an extension 155 having a wirecrimp 119 (FIG. 7 ) extending therefrom configured to be inserted intothe distal end 104 of prong 103 of electrode assembly 21 andelectrically connect to wire 62 disposed therein (FIG. 5 ).

Referring to FIG. 4 , at least one of the prong members 103, 105 isflexible such that prong members 105 and 103 are readily moveablerelative to each other. In some embodiments, the electrode assembly 21is removably attached to the mechanical forceps 20 by initially movingprongs 103, 105 towards each other. While jaw members 42, 44 are in anopen configuration, the electrodes 120 and 110 may be slid betweenopposing jaw members 44 and 42 such that anchor members 122 and 112 andguide pins 124 and 128, respectively, may be aligned with and releasablyinserted into corresponding sockets 43 and 41 or apertures 65 and 67,respectively, to couple electrodes 120 and 110 with jaw member 44 and42, respectively. Housing halves 70 a, 70 b may then be coupled to formhousing 70 to encompass at least a portion of shaft member 14 in themanner described above.

To electrically control the end effector 24, a depressible activationbutton 50 (FIG. 1 ) extends from a proximal portion of housing 70 and isoperable by a user to initiate and terminate the delivery ofelectrosurgical energy to end effector 24. Mechanically coupled todepressible activation button 50 is a switch 36 (FIG. 4 ) supportedwithin housing 70 and electrically interconnected between wires 61, 62and a suitable energy source, such as an electrosurgical generator (notshown). Depressible activation button 50 is engageable by a buttonactivation post 38 extending from proximal end 13 of shaft member 12upon movement of shaft members 12, 14 to an actuated or approximatedposition (FIG. 9B). During use, for example, engagement of depressibleactivation button 50 with button activation post 38 serves to activateswitch 36 to initiate delivery of electrosurgical energy to end effector24 for effecting a tissue seal, and disengagement of button activationpost 38 from depressible activation button 50 serves to deactivateswitch 36 to terminate delivery of electrosurgical energy to endeffector 24. In some embodiments, delivery of electrosurgical energy toend effector 24 may also be terminated by the electrosurgical generatorbased on any suitable parameters, e.g., sensed tissue properties, timeparameters, sensed energy properties, etc.

Once a tissue seal is established, the knife blade 85 may be advancedthrough the knife channel 58 to transect the sealed tissue, as detailedbelow. However, in some embodiments, knife blade 85 may be advancedthrough the knife channel 58 before, during, or after tissue sealing. Insome embodiments, a knife lockout mechanism is provided to preventextension of the knife blade 85 into the knife channel 58 when the jawmembers 42, 44 are in the open configuration, thus preventing accidentalor premature transection of tissue, as described below.

With reference to FIG. 3 , the knife actuation mechanism 90 is operablyassociated with a trigger 45 (FIG. 1 ) having opposing handle members 45a, 45 b extending from opposing sides of housing 70. The housing 70 isshaped to complement an outwardly extending cutout portion 14 a of shaftmember such that upon coupling of housing halves 70 a, 70 b about shaftmember 14, the knife actuation mechanism 90 is encompassed by thehousing 70 (FIG. 1 ). Upon actuation of handle members 45 a, 45 b, theknife actuation mechanism 90 responds utilizing a series ofinter-cooperating elements to actuate the knife blade 85 through theknife channel 58 to sever tissue grasped between jaw members 42, 44, asdetailed below with reference to FIG. 9C. The knife actuation mechanism90 includes a first link 92 having an arcuate portion 93 bridgingopposing linear extensions 91 a, 91 b and a second link 94 having anarcuate portion 96 bridging opposing linear extensions 98 a, 98 b.Arcuate portion 93 is operably coupled to a shaft member 47 and linearextensions 91 a, 91 b are operably coupled to linear extensions 98 a, 98b of second link 94 by opposing pivot pins 92 a, 92 b, respectively.Shaft member 47 extends laterally through housing 70 to operably connecthandle members 45 a, 45 b from opposing sides of housing 70. Arcuateportion 96 of second link 94 is operably coupled to a proximal end ofthe knife blade 85 by a pivot pin 94 a extending through arcuate portion96. As can be seen in FIG. 3 , each of first and second links 92, 94 aregenerally u-shaped components so that opposing linear extensions 91 a,91 b and 98 a, 98 b define a space therebetween through which shaftmember 14 may pass unimpeded during assembly and during actuation ofknife actuation mechanism 90. This generally u-shaped configurationallows first and second links 92, 94 to extend around shaft member 14.

A mechanical interface 72 is supported within housing 70 and is disposedbetween knife actuation mechanism 90 and one of the housing halves(e.g., housing half 70 a). Mechanical interface 72 includes a throughhole 74 through which shaft member 47 extends and a longitudinal channel76 through which at least a portion of pivot pin 94 a translates duringactuation of knife blade 85. More specifically, pivot pin 94 a extendsoutwardly from opposing sides of arcuate portion 96, as shown in FIG. 3. At least a portion of pivot pin 94 a that extends outwardly from oneopposing side of arcuate portion 96 is received within longitudinalchannel 76. As handle members 45 a, 45 b are moved from an unactuatedconfiguration (FIGS. 9A and 9B) to an actuated configuration (FIG. 9C)to advance the knife blade 85 distally through knife channel 58, pivotpin 94 a translates distally through longitudinal channel 76 from aproximal portion thereof to a distal portion thereof. In this way,longitudinal channel 76 serves to constrain upward and downward movementof pivot pin 94 a, thereby ensuring linear longitudinal motion of knifeblade 85. Mechanical interface 72 may also serve as a protective coverfor wires 61, 62 as wires pass through housing half 70 a, for example,by separating wires 61, 62 from knife actuation mechanism 90 such thatwires 61, 62 do not interfere with knife actuation mechanism 90 duringactuation thereof. Mechanical interface 72 also serves to preventinadvertent actuation of knife actuation mechanism 90 prior to couplingof mechanical forceps 20 to the remaining components of forceps 10, asdescribed in further detail below.

A biasing member 95 (e.g., a torsion spring) is disposed coaxially aboutat least a portion of the shaft member 47 (FIG. 3 ) between the firstlink 92 and handle member 45 a. The biasing member 95 is operablycoupled at one end to a portion of the first link 92 and at the otherend to a suitable mechanical interface within the housing 70 thatstabilizes biasing member 95 during use of the knife actuation mechanism90. The biasing member 95 serves to bias the trigger 45 such thatsubsequent to actuation of the knife blade 85 through the knife channel58 (FIG. 9C), handle members 45 a, 45 b are biased to return to anunactuated position (FIGS. 9A and 9B), thereby retracting the knifeblade 85 proximally to an unactuated position (FIGS. 9A and 9B). A knifekickback 22 is disposed along a portion of shaft member 12 and, uponmovement of shaft members 12, 14 from the closed configuration (FIG. 9B)to the open configuration (FIG. 9A), knife kickback 22 is configured toengage handle members 45 a, 45 b (FIG. 9D) in the event that handlemembers 45 a, 45 b do not return to an unactuated position (FIGS. 9A and9B) following actuation of the knife actuation mechanism 90, as detailedbelow with reference to FIG. 9D.

With reference to FIG. 3 , pivot 25 includes a pair of apertures 25 a,25 b disposed therethrough that are configured to receive a pair ofcomplementary raised portions 13 a, 13 b therein, respectively,extending from the distal end portion 19 of shaft member 14 and defininga longitudinal passageway 27 therebetween. Raised portions 13 a, 13 bextend sufficiently from the distal portion of shaft member 14 so thatapertures 25 a, 25 b may receive raised portions 13 a, 13 b therein,respectively, while maintaining pivot 25 in spaced relation with thedistal portion of shaft member 14 to allow the knife guide 86 to bereceived through passageway 27. Movement of shaft members 12, 14relative to each other causes rotational movement of pivot 25 withinpivot aperture 29.

Knife guide 86 is supported within the housing 70 between the endeffector 24 and the knife actuation mechanism 90 and extends throughpassageway 27. Knife guide 86 includes suitable mechanical features(e.g., protrusions) that interface with corresponding suitablemechanical features disposed on shaft member 14 to provide upward anddownward location control of knife guide 86. The longitudinal slot 87defined through knife guide 86 (FIG. 3 ) provides lateral support to theknife blade 85 and constrains side-to-side lateral motion of the knifeblade 85. Thus, the knife guide 86 serves to urge the knife blade 85into a central position relative to end effector 24, thereby ensuringproper alignment of the knife blade 85 as the knife blade 85 enters theknife channel 58 (FIG. 2 ) defined in electrodes 110, 120.

In some embodiments, the forceps 10 includes a knife blade lockoutmechanism that serves to prevent advancement of the knife blade 85 intothe knife channel 85 when the jaw members 42, 44 are in the openconfiguration (FIG. 9A). With reference to FIG. 3 , one embodiment of aknife blade lockout mechanism is shown. The knife blade lockoutmechanism is pivotally supported within housing 70 (FIGS. 9A-9D) andincludes a flexible safety link 81 operably coupled about a pivot pin 82with a biasing member 83 and an engagement member 80. In the openconfiguration of jaw members 42, 44, the knife blade 85 is in anunactuated position (FIGS. 9A and 9B) and the safety link 81 is engagedwith the arcuate portion 96 of the second link 94 (FIG. 9A) such thatdistal advancement of knife blade 85 is prohibited. As shown in FIG. 3 ,safety link 81 is depicted having a t-shaped configuration. However,this t-shaped configuration should not be construed as limiting, in thatsafety link 81 may be any shape or configuration suitable to engage anddisengage arcuate portion 96. In the illustrated embodiment, thet-shaped configuration of safety link 81 provides load transfer tohousing 70 upon actuation of knife actuation mechanism 90, therebypreventing damage to safety link 81 due to an overload condition.

To prevent inadvertent actuation of knife blade 85 prior to coupling ofmechanical forceps 20 to the remaining components of forceps 10 (e.g.,housing 70, mechanical interface 72, knife actuation mechanism 90, knifeblade 85, knife guide 86, knife blade lockout mechanism, etc.), aportion of mechanical interface 72 is engaged with and in the distalpath of the arcuate portion 96 of the second link 94 such that distaladvancement of knife blade 85 is prohibited. Upon coupling of mechanicalforceps 20 to the remaining component of forceps 10, shaft member 14deflects mechanical interface 72 to remove the previously engagedportion of mechanical interface 72 from the distal path of the arcuateportion 96. Thus, mechanical interface 72 prevents inadvertent actuationof knife blade 85 prior to assembly of forceps 10, and the knife bladelockout mechanism prevents inadvertent actuation of knife blade 85 onceforceps 10 is assembled.

As shown in FIG. 1 , housing 70 includes a longitudinal opening 70 cthat opposes shaft member 12 and exposes engagement member 80 such thatupon approximation of the shaft members 12, 14 to move the jaw members42, 44 to the closed position (FIG. 9B), engagement member 80 is engagedby shaft member 12. Pressure applied to engagement member 80 by shaftmember 12 through approximation of shaft members 12, 14 induces counterclockwise rotation of engagement member 80 and biasing member 83 aboutpivot pin 82 (as depicted by rotational arrow A3 in FIG. 9B) such thatbiasing member 83 imparts a biasing force on an interior of housing 70and safety link 81 rotates counter clockwise about pivot pin 82 out ofengagement with arcuate portion 96 of second link 94 (FIG. 9B). Oncesafety link 81 is rotated out of engagement with arcuate portion 96 ofsecond link 94, knife blade 85 is permitted to advance distally into theknife channel 58 (FIG. 9C). Operation of the knife actuation mechanism90 and actuation of the knife blade 85 is further detailed below withreference to FIGS. 9A-9C.

The tissue seal thickness and tissue seal effectiveness may beinfluenced by the pressure applied to tissue between jaw members 44, 42and the gap distance between the opposing electrodes 110 and 120 (FIG. 5) during tissue sealing. In the closed configuration, a separation orgap distance “G” may be maintained between the sealing surfaces 116, 126by an array of stop members 54 (FIG. 2 ) disposed on one or both ofsealing surfaces 116, 126 (only shown disposed on sealing surface 126for purposes of illustration). The stop members 54 contact the sealingsurface on the opposing jaw member and prohibit further approximation ofthe sealing surfaces 116, 126. In some embodiments, to provide aneffective tissue seal, an appropriate gap distance of about 0.001 inchesto about 0.010 inches and, desirably, between about 0.002 and about0.005 inches may be provided. In some embodiments, the stop members 54are constructed of an electrically non-conductive plastic or othermaterial molded onto the sealing surfaces 116, 126, e.g., by a processsuch as overmolding or injection molding. In other embodiments, the stopmembers 54 are constructed of a heat-resistant ceramic deposited ontosealing surfaces 116, 126.

FIG. 8 shows the bipolar forceps 10 during use wherein the shaft members12 and 14 are approximated to apply clamping force to tissue 150 and toeffect a tissue seal. Once sealed, tissue 150 may be cut along thetissue seal through actuation of the knife blade 85, as detailed belowwith reference to FIG. 9C.

Referring now to FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D, a sequence of motions may beinitiated by moving the shaft members 12, 14 in order to close the jawmembers 42, 44, and by actuating the handle members 45 a, 45 b to inducethe knife actuation mechanism 90 to translate the knife blade 85 throughthe knife channel 58. Initially, shaft members 12, 14 are in the openconfiguration and the handle members 45 a, 45 b are in an unactuatedconfiguration as depicted in FIG. 9A. This arrangement of shaft members12, 14 and handle members 45 a, 45 b sustains the end effector 24 in theopen configuration wherein the jaw members 42, 44 are substantiallyspaced from one another, and the knife blade 85 is in an unactuatedposition with respect to the jaw members 42, 44. The unactuatedconfiguration of the handle members 45 a, 45 b depicted in FIGS. 9A and9B is actively maintained by the influence of the biasing member 95 onthe trigger 45. When jaw members 42, 44 are in the open configuration,as depicted in FIG. 9A, safety link 81 is engaged with arcuate portion96 of second link 94 such that rotational motion of the handle members45 a, 45 b in a proximal direction (depicted by rotational arrow A4 inFIG. 9C) is prohibited so that knife blade 85 is prohibited fromadvancing into knife channel 58.

The jaw members 42, 44 may be moved from the open configuration of FIG.9A to the closed configuration depicted in FIG. 9B. As the shaft members12, 14 pivot about pivot 25 in the directions of arrows A1 and A2 (FIG.9B), respectively, shaft member 12 engages engagement member 80 andbutton activation post 38 engages button 50. In some embodiments, shaft12 engages engagement member 80 simultaneously with button activationpost 38 engaging button 50. As the shaft members 12, 14 pivot furtherabout pivot 25 in the directions of arrows A1 and A2, respectively,button activation post 38 depresses activation button 50 to initiatedelivery of electrosurgical energy to end effector 24 and shaft 12applies pressure on the engagement member 80. The pressure applied onengagement member 80 by shaft 12 induces rotation of engagement member80 and biasing member 83 about pivot pin 82 in the direction depicted byrotational arrow A3 (FIG. 9B) such that biasing member 83 imparts abiasing force on an interior of housing 70 and safety link 81 rotatesabout pivot pin 82 in the direction depicted by rotational arrow A3(FIG. 9B) out of engagement with arcuate portion 96 of second link 94,as shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C.

Upon movement of safety link 81 out of engagement with arcuate portion96 of second link 94, handle members 45 a, 45 b may be selectively movedfrom the unactuated configuration of FIGS. 9A and 9B to the actuatedconfiguration of FIG. 9C to advance the knife blade 85 distally throughknife channel 58. More specifically, as handle members 45 a, 45 b rotatein the general proximal direction, as depicted by rotational arrow A4 inFIG. 9C, the first link 92 imparts a rotational force on second link 94,thereby causing second link 94 to rotate about pivot pin 94 a andtranslate pivot pin 94 a distally through longitudinal channel 76 toadvance knife blade 85 distally into the knife channel 58.

As indicated above, the initial position of the handles 45 a, 45 bdepicted in FIGS. 9A and 9B is actively maintained by the influence ofthe biasing member 95 on the trigger 45. With reference to FIG. 9D, inthe event that handles 45 a, 45 b fail to return to their initialposition (FIGS. 9A and 9B) following movement to the actuatedconfiguration (FIG. 9C), movement of the shaft members 12, 14 to theopen configuration serves as a fail-safe to return handles 45 a, 45 b tothe unactuated configuration (FIGS. 9A and 9B). More specifically, asshaft members 12, 14 move from the closed configuration toward the openconfiguration, depicted by arrows A6 and A7, respectively, knifekickback 22 engages handles 45 a, 45 b such that handles 45 a, 45 b areforced in the general distal direction, depicted by rotational arrow A5in FIG. 9D, to the unactuated configuration depicted in FIGS. 9A and 9B.

Referring now to FIGS. 10A and 10B, an alternative embodiment of forceps10 is shown. Referring initially to FIG. 10A, shaft members 12, 14 areconfigured such that upon affixing of shaft members 12, 14 to each otherabout pivot 25, shaft member 14 is disposed at an angle relative toshaft member 12 that is substantially different than the angle depictedby the embodiment of FIGS. 9A-9D. This allows the knife 85, the knifeguide 86, the knife actuation mechanism 90, and the trigger 45 to beassembled with the mechanical forceps 20 from an exterior side of shaftmember 14 (e.g., from the side of shaft member 14 from which handlemember 18 extends as opposed to an interior side of shaft member 14 thatfaces shaft member 12), as illustrated by FIGS. 10A and 10B. Morespecifically, during assembly of forceps 10, knife guide 86 may beinserted into passageway 27 of pivot 25 from an exterior side of shaftmember 14, as depicted by directional arrow B2. As knife guide 86 isinserted into passageway 27, the knife actuation assembly 90 may bemoved toward shaft member 14 and, upon suitable placement of knifeactuation assembly 90 relative to shaft member 14, housing 70 (removedfrom FIGS. 10A and 10B for clarity) may be releasably coupled to shaftmember 14 to at least partially house knife 85, knife guide 86, andknife actuation mechanism 90 substantially as described above withrespect to FIGS. 2 and 3 . The ability to assemble forceps 10 in themanner described above with respect to FIGS. 10A and 10B convenientlyallows forceps 10 to be assembled in the sterile field and/or theoperating theater before or during a medical procedure.

Referring now to FIGS. 11A and 11B, an alternative embodiment of forceps10 is shown. In this embodiment, shaft member 14 forms a pair ofopposing guide rails 23 a, 23 b extending along a distal portionthereof. When housing halves 70 a, 70 b are coupled, as shown in FIG.11B, housing 70 forms a pair of opposing guide channels 71 a, 71 b thatare configured to capture guide rails 23 a, 23 b therein, respectively.When coupling housing 70 to shaft member 14, housing 70 may be movedrelative to shaft member 14 such that guide rails 23 a, 23 b slidewithin guide channels 71 a, 71 b, respectively, to ensure properplacement of housing 70 relative to shaft member 14. In someembodiments, guide rails 23 a, 23 b may be formed between approximatelya middle portion of shaft member 14 to distal end 19 of shaft member 14.Guide channels 71, 71 b may be aligned with a proximal end of guiderails 23 a, 23 b, respectively, at the middle portion of shaft member14. Housing 70 may then be pushed distally along shaft member 14 so thatguide rails 23 a, 23 b slide within guide channels 71 a, 71 b to ensureproper placement of housing 70 relative to shaft member 14.

While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in thedrawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, asit is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art willallow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the abovedescription should not be construed as limiting, but merely as examplesof particular embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision othermodifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.

Although the foregoing disclosure has been described in some detail byway of illustration and example, for purposes of clarity orunderstanding, it will be obvious that certain changes and modificationsmay be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electrosurgical forceps, comprising: first andsecond shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal endthereof, the first and second shafts rotatably coupled to each otherabout a pivot, wherein the first and second shafts are configured torotate about the pivot to move the jaw members between an open positionand a closed position; a knife blade configured to move through a knifechannel disposed through the jaw members; and a knife guide configuredto receive the knife blade and to be inserted through a passagewaydefined longitudinally through the pivot.
 2. The electrosurgical forcepsaccording to claim 1, further comprising an actuation mechanismconfigured to be removably coupled to the first shaft and to move theknife blade through the knife channel.
 3. The electrosurgical forcepsaccording to claim 2, further comprising a rotatable trigger coupled tothe actuation mechanism and configured to rotate to cause the knifeblade to move through the knife channel.
 4. The electrosurgical forcepsaccording to claim 2, further comprising a disposable housing configuredto be removably coupled to the first shaft to house the actuationmechanism when the actuation mechanism is coupled to the first shaft. 5.The electrosurgical forceps according to claim 1, wherein theelectrosurgical forceps includes a switch configured to be actuated viaapproximation of the first and second shafts to control delivery ofelectrosurgical energy to the tissue.
 6. The electrosurgical forcepsaccording to claim 1, wherein the electrosurgical forceps includes afirst electrode removably coupled to the jaw member of the first shaftand a second electrode removably coupled to the jaw member of the secondshaft.
 7. The electrosurgical forceps according to claim 1, wherein theknife guide is configured to align the knife blade with the knifechannel.
 8. The electrosurgical forceps according to claim 1, furthercomprising a knife blade lockout mechanism configured to preventmovement of the knife blade when the jaw members are in the openposition.
 9. An electrosurgical forceps, comprising: first and secondshafts rotatably coupled to each other about a pivot; a first jaw memberextending from a distal end of the first shaft and a second jaw memberextending from a distal end of the second shaft, wherein one of thefirst or second shafts is configured to rotate about the pivot relativeto the other of the first or second shafts to move the jaw membersbetween an open position and a closed position; a knife blade coupled toa knife actuator, wherein the knife actuator is operably coupled to oneof the first or second shafts and configured to cause movement of theknife blade through a knife channel disposed through the jaw members;and a knife guide having a longitudinal slot for receiving the knifeblade, wherein the knife guide is configured to be inserted through apassageway defined longitudinally through the pivot.
 10. Theelectrosurgical forceps according to claim 9, further comprising anactuation mechanism configured to be removably coupled to the firstshaft and to move the knife blade through the knife channel.
 11. Theelectrosurgical forceps according to claim 10, further comprising arotatable trigger coupled to the actuation mechanism and configured torotate to cause the knife blade to move through the knife channel. 12.The electrosurgical forceps according to claim 10, further comprising adisposable housing configured to be removably coupled to the first shaftto house the actuation mechanism when the actuation mechanism is coupledto the first shaft.
 13. The electrosurgical forceps according to claim9, further comprising a switch configured to be actuated viaapproximation of the first and second shafts to control delivery ofelectrosurgical energy to tissue.
 14. The electrosurgical forcepsaccording to claim 9, further comprising a first electrode removablycoupled to the jaw member of the first shaft and a second electroderemovably coupled to the jaw member of the second shaft.
 15. Theelectrosurgical forceps according to claim 9, wherein the knife guide isconfigured to align the knife blade with the knife channel.
 16. Theelectrosurgical forceps according to claim 9, further comprising a knifeblade lockout mechanism configured to prevent movement of the knifeblade when the jaw members are in the open position.